Remotely readable gas meter and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A sensing device for remotely reading the position of the needles of a gas meter. The gas meter having a plurality of meter needles. The sensing device including directional magnetic field emitters each having a north and a south pole that are spaced from one another along a first pole axis and a second pole axis, respectively. The magnetic emitters being secured relative to respective needles such that the pole axes are perpendicular to the respective needle axes. The emitters producing directional magnetic fields that follows the position of the needles as they rotate. The device further including position sensors positioned over the emitters. The sensors reading the orientation of the respective magnetic fields sending this information to a processor for calculating the position of the first and second needles based on the orientation of the respective magnetic fields. The device includes a transmitter for transmitting the position of the needles to a remote location.

This application claims priority in Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 60/664,988 that was filed on Mar. 24, 2005.

The present invention relates to monitoring the consumption of a utilitysuch as the amount of natural gas used by a consumer and, moreparticularly, to an apparatus and method for remotely monitoring theconsumption.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present invention relates to remotely monitoring a utility such asthe consumption of natural gas by a consumer. Hendrickson, et al. U.S.Pat. No. 4,728,950 discloses a magnetic sensor apparatus for remotelymonitoring the utility meter and is incorporated by reference herein forshowing the same. Fischer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,982,651 discloses anautomatic meter reading module and is incorporated by reference hereinfor showing the same. Moore, U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,816 discloses a utilitymeter adapter that mounts on a utility meter and is incorporated byreference herein for showing the same. Ban Orsdel, U.S. Pat. No.4,654,662 discloses an apparatus for reading utility meters and isincorporated by reference herein for showing the same. Roberts, U.S.Pat. No. 5,777,222 discloses a fluid meter with modular automatic meterreading unit and is incorporated by reference herein for showing thesame. Spahn, U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,466 discloses tamper protection for anautomatic remote meter reading unit and is incorporated by referenceherein for showing the same. Myer, U.S. Pat. No. 3,961,316 discloses amechanically actuated magnetocrystalliane counter and is incorporated byreference herein for showing the same. Schenk, Jr. U.S. Pat. No.6,742,396 discloses a method for upgrading a dial indicator to provideremote indication capability and is incorporated by reference herein forshowing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art that magnetics can be used to determine theposition of an object relative to a fixed point. In this respect,Hendrickson U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,950 discloses a remote monitoring devicethat utilizes magnetics to determine the position of the needles in autility meter. Hendrickson determines the position of the meter byutilizing ten sensors circumferentially spaced about the needle axis anda magnetized needle. The position of the needle can be determined whenthe needle is positioned under one of the sensors. As can beappreciated, the magnetic on the needle must be spaced from the needleaxis such that the magnetic passes by the sensor as the needle rotates.When the magnetic portion of the needle passes a sensor, the position ofthe needle is detected. However, when the needle is between sensors, thepresence of the needle is not fully detected and assumptions must bemade about the position of the needle. As a result, while Hendrickson iscapable of determining the position of the needle, accuracy is suspectand assumptions must be made for the needles which are not positioned inrange of one of the ten sensors. Hendrickson's device is also expensivein that it needs ten sensors for every needle. When a four needle meterneeds to be monitored, 40 sensors are needed. In addition, as is shown,the sensors must be placed at a point space from the needle axis suchthat the monitoring device blocks the gauges thereby preventing themeter to be read except by the monitoring system. This can make troubleshooting the system difficult and costly and can prevent quickverification that the system is functioning properly.

Schenk, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,396 overcomes some of the accuracy andreadability shortfalls of Hendrickson by utilizing a variable monitoringtechnique that has an external readable portion. In this respect,Schenk, Jr. discloses a dial indicator that utilizes magnets to couplethe meter's dial needle to a rotating measuring device. This system isnot a magnetic sensing system. Conversely, the magnets merely couple themoving parts of the sensing system to the meter's needle such that asensing system follows the dial needle as it rotates. Thus, Schenk'sdevice requires moving parts to monitor the meter. Further, the magneticstrength necessary to physically lock the moving parts of the sensor tothe meter's needle is greater than that which is necessary fornon-mechanical devices due to inevitable friction between the movingparts. Friction in the monitoring sensor can also cause the monitoringdevice to become disconnected with the meter's dial. If this takesplace, the output of the remote monitoring device is worthless. As canbe appreciated, the remote monitoring device is of little value unlessit can be relied upon by the end user. The longevity of Schenk is alsosuspect in that the monitoring device is in constant motion and internalcomponents can wear. Yet another problem with Schenk's device is thatthe moving parts of his sensor are not capable of continued rotation.Conversely, Schenk's device can not rotate more than 36° degrees whichprevents it from being used on many meters.

Both Schenk and Hendrickson do not allow sufficient visual inspect ofthe actual dials or needles. In this respect, gas companies, and otherutilities, are required to verify the accuracy of meter readings. Thisrequirement necessitates a periodic visual inspection of the meter.Hendrickson prevents a visual inspection of the dials since his systemcompletely covers the meter's dials. As a result, a visual inspectionrequires his system to be at least partially removed from the meter. Ascan be appreciated, periodic removal of the sensing system is expensiveand can damage the unit. While Schenk provides a means for inspectingthe position of the needle on site, the actual needle is still notvisible whereby confirmation that the system is producing an accuratereading also requires removal of the system from the meter.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a remotely readable gas meteris provided that allows an existing gas meter to be read at a remotelocation.

More particularly, provided is a sensing device for remotely reading theposition of the needles of a gas meter. The gas meter having a pluralityof meter needles including a first and a second needle. The first needlerotating about a first needle axis and the second needle rotating abouta second needle axis wherein the second needle is driven in relation tothe rotation of the first needle and rotating 36 degrees for every fullrotation of the first needle. The first needle rotating based on thevolume of gas passing through the gas meter. The sensing device having afirst and a second directional magnetic field emitter each with a northand a south pole that are spaced from one another along a first poleaxis and a second pole axis respectively. The first magnetic emitterbeing secured relative to the first needle such that the first pole axisis perpendicular to the first needle axis and the first emitterproducing a first magnetic field that follows the position of the firstneedle as it rotates. The second magnetic emitter being secured relativeto the second needle such that the second pole axis is perpendicular tothe second needle axis and the second emitter produces a second magneticfield that follows the position of the second needle as it rotates. Thedevice further including a first position sensor positioned overthefirst emitter and a second position sensor positioned over the secondemitter wherein the first sensor reads the orientation of the firstmagnetic field and the second sensor reads the orientation of the secondmagnetic field. The device having a processor in communication with thefirst and second sensors for calculating the position of the first andsecond needles based on the orientation of the respective magneticfields and a transmitter for transmitting the position of the needles toa remote location.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the sensing deviceincludes first, second, third and fourth directional magnetic fieldemitters each having a north and a south pole that are spaced from oneanother along a respective pole axis. The device further including asensor for sensing the orientation of the four magnetic fields and aprocessor in communication with the sensor that is programmed tocalculate the position of the magnetic fields based on the output of thesensor. A transmitter is utilized to transmit the position of theneedles to a remote location.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, provided is asensing device for remotely reading the position of the needles of a gasmeter with a single directional magnetic field emitter secured relativeto the first needle. A position sensor is positioned over the singleemitter for reading the orientation of the magnetic field of only thefirst gas meter needle and a processor is in communication with thesensor to calculate the position of the first needle based on theorientation of the magnetic field. The device further includes memorychip in communication with the processor for tracking the movement ofthe first needle and storing data on the number of revolutions of thefirst needle during any given interval. A transmitter is used totransmit the data from the sensor to a remote location.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, provided is amethod of remotely reading a gas meter. The method includes the step ofsecuring at least a first directional magnetic field emitter relative tothe first needle and a second directional magnetic field emitterrelative to the second needle. The method further including the steps ofpositioning a receiver unit over top of the first and second emitterssuch that a first position sensor of the unit is axially spaced relativeto the first needle axis over the first emitter and the second positionsensor of the unit is axially spaced relative to the second needle axisover the second emitter. The method further includes the step ofproviding a processor for reading the data produced by the first andsecond sensors and a transmitter for transmitting the position of theneedles to a remote location wherein the processor and the transmitterare in communication with the first and second position sensors. Then,reading the orientation of the first magnetic field and reading theorientation of the second magnetic field wherein the processor cancalculate the angular position of the first and second needles based onthe reading steps. Then, transmitting the calculations to a remotelocation.

According to yet even another aspect of the present invention, providedis a method of remotely reading a gas meter wherein in a singledirectional magnetic field emitter is positioned relative to the firstneedle. The method includes the step of positioning a receiver unit overtop of the emitter sensing the orientation of the single magnetic fieldwith a provided a processor. The data is then calculated along with acount on the number of revolutions of the first needle to determine gsusage. This information on the number of complete rotations and theposition of the first needle is then transmitted to a remote location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing, and more, will in part be obvious and in part be pointedout more fully hereinafter in conjunction with a written description ofpreferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a remote sensing device according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 1 mounted ontothe display panel of a gas meter; and,

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view taken from lines 44 in FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in greater detail to the drawing wherein the showings arefor the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the inventiononly, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention, FIGS. 1-4illustrate a remote readable sensing device 10 for a gas meter GM.Sensing device 10 is configured to be utilized on an existing meter suchthat it can be secured to an existing meter without disrupting the flowof gas therethrough. However, it must be noted that sensing device 10could also be used on new meters without detracting from the inventionof this application. As is shown, sensing device 10 is mounted directlyto the display panel portion DP portion of meter GM to allow remotemonitoring of the gauges.

Meter GM is shown to have a four dial or needle arrangement includingdials D1, D2, D3 and D4. As can be appreciated, the sensing arrangementof this application can be used in connection with meters having more orless than four dials/needles.

As is known in the art, dials D1, D2, D3 and D4 work in relation to oneanother in that the flow of natural gas through the gas meter initiatesrotational movement of needle N1 of dial D1 about a first dial axis DA1.Then, a full 360° rotation of needle N1 causes a needle N2 of Dial D2 torotate 36° about a second dial axis DA2. As can be appreciated, a 36°rotation of needle 2 will move the needle by one unit about dial D2.Similarly, a full rotation of needle N2 about second dial axis DA2 willresult in a 36° rotation of a needle N3 about a dial axis DA3. Dial D4is also similarly controlled in that a full rotation of needle N3 aboutdial axis DA3 will result in a 36° rotation of a needle N4 about a dialaxis DA4. This results in dial D1 measuring single unit increments, dialD2 measuring 10 unit increments, dial D3 measuring 100 unit incrementsand dial D4 measuring 1,000 unit increments. As is discussed above,based on the volume of flow, more or less dials could be used withoutdetracting from the invention of this application. Further, the dialscould be used to measure different percentages or units withoutdetracting from the invention of this application. In this respect, dialD1 could measure 1/10 of a unit increments etc. However, while theinvention of this application has been found to work well with this typeof meter arrangement and, therefore, it is described in relation to thistype of meter, the invention of this application can work with a widerange a meters including, but not limited to, electric dial meters.

Sensing device 10 includes four directional magnetic field emitters20-23, each having a north pole and a south pole that extend along poleaxes 30-33, respectively. As is shown, directional emitters 20-23 arecylindrical magnets having a north and south pole. However, theinvention of this application is not to be limited to cylindricalmagnets. Other directional magnets could be utilized without detractingfrom the invention of this application. This includes, but is notlimited to, pole magnets with almost any shape.

Emitter 20 is positioned on needle N1 such that pole axis 30 isperpendicular to dial axis DA1. Similarly, directional emitter 21 issecured to needle N2 such that pole axis 31 is perpendicular to dialaxis DA2. Directional emitter 22 is secured to needle N3 such that poleaxis 32 is perpendicular to dial axis DA3 and directional emitter 23 issecured to needle N4 such that pole axis 33 is perpendicular to dialaxis DA4. As a result, as the respective needle rotates about its axis,the directional emitter also rotates about the same axis wherein thedirection of the magnetic field rotates with the rotation of the needle.However, it should be noted that there could be some amount ofinaccuracy in the installation angle of the magnet relative to theneedle. In this respect, it is difficult to position the magnet suchthat it is perfectly perpendicular to the needle. Small misalignmentswill not prevent the sensors from properly reading the needle position.Larger misalignments can be addressed by the processor. In this respect,the processor can store a small calibration offset in memory and applyit when making a read allowing for faster/easier manufacturing and moreaccuracy in the meter reading.

With reference to FIG. 4, shown is an enlarged view of needle N1 of dialD1 with directional emitter 20 mounted thereto. As is shown, the northand south pole arrangement of emitter 20 is such that the north poleportion of the emitter is pointing at 12:00 in the figure. While axis 30is shown to be in alignment with arrow portion A1 of needle N1, this isnot required for the invention of this application. In the positionshown, the magnetic field 40 of directional emitter 20 extends aboutpole axis 30 such that it is in alignment with the pole axis. As needleN1 rotates about dial axis DA1, directional emitter 20 follows thisrotation wherein the direction of the magnetic field follows therotation of the needle. The same is true for dials D2, D3 and D4. Inthis embodiment, the directional field emitters are clipped ontoexisting needles. However, the emitter could also be secured by othermechanical means and/or could be adhesively secured to an existingneedle.

In another embodiment, the invention of this application can be usedwith new meter designs including meters having needles with directionalmagnetic emitters built therein. Further, even if the invention of thisapplication is used on an existing gas meter, the needles of theexisting gas meter can be replaced with needles having magneticdirectional emitters manufactured therein. This can include, but is notlimited to, polymer needles having a magnetic emitter molded therein.

The directional emitters are secured to the needles and are protectedunder clear cover CC. As is known in the art, the display panel isprotected by a glass cover (or similar substantially clear material suchas, but not limited to, clear plastics) to protect the meter assemblywhile allowing the meter to be read to determine gas consumption. As canbe seen, the directional emitters allow for an unobstructed view of theneedle positions.

Sensing device 10 further includes position sensors 50-53 that arepositioned relative to directional emitters 20-23, respectively.Position sensors 50-53 are state of the art small directional magneticfield detecting units that are positioned directly above the directionalemitter magnets. In one embodiment, position sensors 50-53 are secureddirectly to bottom surface of clear cover CC. In another embodiment, thesensors are positioned outside of cover CC such as on surface CCT. Theposition sensors provide a sine and cosine voltage output that isdependent on the angular position of the respective directional emitter.This sine and cosine voltage is then directed to the processor whichuses this information to determine the angular position of thedirectional emitter relative to the sensor. This is accomplished throughmathematical equations from these voltage inputs and produces an errorthat is less than 20. The position sensors can be any position sensorsknown in the art which detect the orientation of a magnetic field.

Position sensors 50-53 are in communication with a processor 60 whichcan include, but is not limited to, having the sensors electronicallyconnected to processor 60 by way of electrical connections 70-73. As canbe appreciated, these electrical connections could be wire connectionsto a processor spaced from the sensors or even could be part of a solidstate circuit board. Further, while not shown, processor 60 could bespaced from the sensors or even at a remote location which will bediscussed in greater detail below. As a result of the use of directionalsensors 50-53, sensing device 10 can be configured to include no movingparts which minimizes power consumption and maximizes the reliability ofthe system.

Processor 60 can be any processor known in the art that is capable ofmaking the necessary calculations in view of the sine and cosine voltageproduced by the sensors. This includes the use of current technologymicroprocessors and future technology microprocessors able to make suchcalculations. As is stated above, processor 60 can be hard wired to thesensors including, but not limited to, being manufactured as a part of asolid state circuit board.

Sensing device 10 can further include an analog to digital converter 80for position sensors that produce an analog system. As is known in theart, an analog to digital converter will convert this analog signal fromthe sensors to a digital signal that can be processed by processor 60.Converter 80 can be a part of processor 60 or can be an externalcomponent positioned, circuit wise, between sensors 50-53 and processor60 wherein the converter receives the analog voltage outputs from theposition sensor and sends the corresponding digital signal to theprocessor.

Sensing device 10 can further include a temperature sensor 82 forincreasing the accuracy of the system. In this respect, temperaturesensor 82 is in communication with processor 60 by way of connection 84wherein the temperature sensor provides digital measurements of thecurrent ambient temperature of the system. This is helpful in that thesensor is effected by changes in the ambient temperature wherein if thistemperature is known, the processor can make the proper adjustments tothe calculations. Processor 60 can at any time determine the position ofneedles N1-N3 in view of the input received on the orientation of therespective magnetic fields of emitters 20-23. This calculation is mademore accurate by determining the ambient temperature of the system bytemperature sensor 82.

This information produced by processor 60 can be used in many ways andcan be maintained in many ways without detracting from the invention ofthis application. In this respect, sensing device 10 can further includea data storage component 90, a transmitter and/or receiver 92 and anoutput port 94. The data calculated by processor 60 can then becommunicated with components 90, 92 and/or 94 by way of communicationlines 100 and/or 102. Again, the circuits of sensing device 10 can besolid state circuits such that all components are a part of a circuitboard 110 shown or they can be components separated from one another bydata lines and/or transmitters and receivers.

Data storage component 90 can be a non-volatile rewritable memory suchas EPROM or other current technology. Further, other data storagedevices know in the art could be utilized without detracting from theinvention of this application. The data can then be stored wherein it ismaintained until requested by the remote location.

As can be appreciated, electrical power is needed to operate many ofthese components described above. Therefore, a battery 120 can beincluded in sensing device 10. As can be appreciated, if batterytechnology is utilized, any battery technology known in the art could beused in connection with this device. Further, it is desirable whenbatteries are utilized to conserve power consumption. As a result, forbattery applications, it is best to only periodically send and/orreceive data which will be discussed in greater detail below. It shouldbe noted, however, that other power technologies could be used inconnection with the invention of this application. This includes, but isnot limited to, the use of solar cells (not shown).

In one embodiment, the components are secured to board sensor includeonly a one way communication arrangement from the output of processor60. This configuration allows the processor to operate based on aninternal operating procedure or program to monitor the gas consumption.More particularly, sensing device can be configured to merely outputdata at specified times with a timing device (not shown) or can outputdata after a specified amount of gas is consumed. This output can thenbe recorded and stored in memory card 90 and/or transmitted to theremote location by way of transmitter 92. Further, any one of a numberof factors could be used to determine the point in which data istransmitted to the remote location. Further, a constant stream of datacould be transmitted to the remote location; however, this could have anadverse affect on the battery life if a battery is being utilized.

In another embodiment, both communication lines 100 and 102 could beutilized such that device 10 includes two two-way communication betweencomponents 90, 92, 94 and the processor. While two-way communication isnot required, it can be utilized to improve or increase thefunctionality of the device. In this respect, component 94 could be atransceiver such that sensor device 10 can send and receive data.Receiving data can be utilized to request a meter reading at any time oreven to reprogram processor 60. Further, two way communication can beutilized to allow data to be stored and then reused by the processor ata later time. For example, data from prior reading could be compared todetermine increases and/or decreases in the consumption of gas.

With two way communication, data storage unit 90 could also be usedstore necessary operating parameters for processor 60. The storage ofdata will allow the transmitter to only be utilized when needed. Again,if sensing device 10 includes a receiver, data can be stored in device90 until a signal is received by device 92 and at that time data couldbe then transmitted to the remote location. In addition, data on usageand/or consumption rates of the end user could also be stored on device90.

As is stated above, device 92 can be a transmitter, a transmitter and areceiver or a transceiver. These devices are known in the art and can beused to send and/or receive information. Sensing device 10 can furtherinclude an output port 94 that could be used for onsite inspectionand/or repair or reprogramming of the system. This can be any known portincluding, but not limited to, a USB port utilized to access the system.

In yet another embodiment, some of the components of system 10 could bepositioned at the remote location. Further, the wording “remotelocation” is not restricted to any one type of remote location. Forexample, sensing device 10 could include only a minimal number ofcomponents on site while the remainder of the components are operatedaway from the gas meter and/or the consumer. More particularly, sensingdevice 10 could be modified to transmit the raw data from the sensors tothe remote location wherein the processor is spaced from the sensingdevices. In this respect, while not shown, the devices on site couldinclude directional emitters 20-23, sensors 50-53, temperature sensor 82and data transmitter and/or receiver 92 along with power source 120. Theraw data produced by the sensors could then be transmitted to a remotelocation for processing. As can be appreciated, this arrangement couldfurther reduce the power consumption of the device and simplify thecomponent that would be needed to be mounted to the gas meter. Further,this arrangement could reduce cost in that a single processor and/ordata device could be used for a large number of sensors in the fieldwherein large desktop computing devices could be used to process as muchdata as is desired without concern for power conservation.

With respect to the definition of remote, remote can mean a wide rangeof places that are spaced from the gas meter. For example, while some ofthe components must be connected directly to the gas meter, somecomponents do not have these same restrictions. In yet anotherembodiment, directional emitters 20-23 and sensors 50-53 are mounteddirectly to the gas meter as is described above. However, spaced fromthe gas meter but within close proximity to the gas meter, is some orall of the remaining components described above. For example, theseremaining components could be a small solid state component pluggeddirectly into a wall outlet on site wherein the information from thesensors needs only to be transmitted a short distance to the closestwall outlet. Then, this data is processed and/or transmitted to afurther remote location away from the point of consumption of thenatural gas. As a result, there are different levels of remoteness forthe device of this application and transmission can include multiplesteps of transmission. These multiple steps can include theacross-the-room type transmission discussed directly above or localtransmission to a truck directly in front of the house or even regionaland/or global communications utilizing cellular technology, the internetand/or satellite technology. As can be appreciated, the use of multiplestages of transmission can be utilized to minimize power consumption inthat small, low power draw equipment can be mounted to the meter suchthat a weak signal is sent to a second spaced component which thentransfers raw and/or processed data to a more powerful transmitterand/or receiver that could be hard wired to a power source.

Further, in yet another embodiment, the components mounted to the gasmeter could be hard wired to a power source and/or the remainingcomponents of the system such that the transmission from the sensors tothe remaining components is by way of a wired system.

Sensing device 10 can be encased in an enclosure 130 wherein enclosure130 is secured to a portion of gas meter GM. The enclosure 130 can beattached to the gas meter with any known technology including mechanicalfasteners and/or adhesives. Further, enclosure 130 can be spaced fromcover CC such that the actual needles can be easily viewed even whensensor 10 is in an operating position. Tamper prevention devices couldalso be used in connection with the sensing device. In this respect,sensing device 10 can further include tamper sensing equipment (notshown) including tilt sensors and/or motion sensors or any other sensorknown in the art for this type of detection. If these sensors detectwhat is believed to be an attempt to tamper with sensing device 10, thisinformation can be stored and/or transmitted by sensing device 10.

In yet another embodiment, sensing device can be programmed to include asleep mode wherein power consumption is minimized even more. In thisrespect, due the accuracy of the above described sensing arrangement,the system can shut down until a signal is received to do a meterreading or even based on a time schedule etc. This allows the system tomaximize battery life without reducing accuracy.

Further, in yet another embodiment, the on-board battery and/or powersource can be supplemented by a larger battery and/or power supply suchas a low voltage DC power supply that is plugged into an outlet.

In even yet a further embodiment, sensing device 10 can also include anelectric flow control devices (not shown) such as a capacitor or othersystems known in the art to prevent damage to the electronic circuits inthe event of a power surge.

In addition to the above, it should also be noted that new technologiescould also be utilized to perform one or more of the operationsdescribed above without detracting from the invention of thisapplication.

While considerable emphasis has been placed on the preferred embodimentsof the invention illustrated and described herein, it will beappreciated that other embodiments and/or equivalents thereof can bemade and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodimentswithout departing from the principals of the invention. Accordingly, itis to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter isto be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as alimitation.

1. A sensing device for remotely reading the position of the needles ofa gas meter, the gas meter having a plurality of meter needles includinga first and a second needle, the first needle rotating about a firstneedle axis and the second needle rotating about a second needle axis,the second needle being driven in relation to the rotation of the firstneedle and rotating 36 degrees for every full rotation of the firstneedle, the first needle rotating based on the volume of gas passingthrough the gas meter, said sensing device comprising a first and asecond directional magnetic field emitter each having a north and asouth pole that are spaced from one another along a first pole axis anda second pole axis respectively, said first magnetic emitter beingsecured relative to the first needle such that said first pole axis isgenerally perpendicular to said first needle axis and said first emitterproduces a first magnetic field that follows the position of the firstneedle as it rotates, said second magnetic emitter being securedrelative to the second needle such that said second pole axis isgenerally perpendicular to said second needle axis and said secondemitter produces a second magnetic field that follows the position ofthe second needle as it rotates; a first position sensor positioned oversaid first emitter and a second position sensor positioned over saidsecond emitter, said first sensor reading the orientation of said firstmagnetic field and said second sensor reading the orientation of saidsecond magnetic field; a processor in communication with said first andsecond sensors, said processor calculating the position of the first andsecond needles based on the orientation of the respective magneticfields; and a transmitter for sending information on said position ofthe needles to a remote location.
 2. The sensing device of claim 1,wherein said first and second directional magnetic field emitters beingclipped to the respective meter needles.
 3. The sensing device of claim1, wherein said first and second directional magnetic field emitters arecylindrical pole magnets with said north pole at or near a first end andsaid south pole at or near a second end.
 4. The sensing device of claim1, further including first and second sensor needles configured toreplace the first and second meter needles respectively, said first andsecond sensor needles including said first and second directionalmagnetic field emitters formed therein.
 5. The sensing device of claim1, wherein said first and second position sensors are directionalmagnetic field detecting units each producing a sine and a cosinevoltage output, said processor being programmed to convert at least oneof said sine and cosine output voltage into an angular position of therespective needle.
 6. The sensing device of claim 1, further includingan analog to digital converter in communication with said magnetic fielddetecting units and said processor, said converter receiving an analogsignal from said detecting units and transferring a digital signal tosaid processor.
 7. The sensing device of claim 1, further including amemory chip for storing information on gas consumption by the consumer.8. The sensing device of claim 1, further including a timer, said timerbeing in communication with said processor and controlling when themeter is read.
 9. The sensing device of claim 1, further including asolar cell that provides the power for said sensing device.
 10. Thesensing device of claim 1, further including a third directionalmagnetic field emitter having a north and a south pole that are spacedfrom one another along a third pole axis that is secured relative to athird needle in the gas meter such that said third pole axis isgenerally perpendicular to a third needle axis, said third emitterproducing a third magnetic field that follows the position of the firstneedle as it rotates; said device further including a third positionsensor positioned over said third emitter which is in communication withsaid processor.
 11. The sensing device of claim 10, further including afourth directional magnetic field emitter having a north and a southpole that are spaced from one another along a fourth pole axis that issecured relative to a fourth needle in the gas meter such that saidfourth pole axis is generally perpendicular to a fourth needle axis,said fourth emitter producing a fourth magnetic field that follows theposition of the first needle as it rotates; said device furtherincluding a fourth position sensor positioned over said fourth emitterwhich is in communication with said processor.
 12. The sensing device ofclaim 11, further including a fifth directional magnetic field emitterhaving a north and a south pole that are spaced from one another along afifth pole axis that is secured relative to a fifth needle in the gasmeter such that said fifth pole axis is generally perpendicular to afifth needle axis, said fifth emitter producing a fifth magnetic fieldthat follows the position of the first needle as it rotates; said devicefurther including a fifth position sensor positioned over said fifthemitter which is in communication with said processor.
 13. The sensingdevice of claim 1, wherein said transmitter is a transceiver whereinsaid sensing device can both send and receive data.
 14. A sensing devicefor remotely reading the position of the needles of a gas meter, the gasmeter including a first, a second needle, a third needle and a fourthneedle, each needle rotating about a respective needle axis, the second,third and fourth needle being driven in relation to the rotation of thefirst needle and rotating 36 degrees for every full rotation of theprevious needle, the first needle rotating based on the volume of gaspassing through the gas meter, said sensing device comprising; first,second, third and fourth directional magnetic field emitters each havinga north and a south pole that are spaced from one another along arespective pole axis, said first magnetic emitter being secured relativeto the first needle such that said first pole axis is generallyperpendicular to said first needle axis and said first emitter producesa first magnetic field that follows the position of the first needle asit rotates, said second magnetic emitter being secured relative to thesecond needle such that said second pole axis is generally perpendicularto said second needle axis and said second emitter produces a secondmagnetic field that follows the position of the second needle as itrotates, said third magnetic emitter being secured relative to the thirdneedle such that said third pole axis is generally perpendicular to saidthird needle axis and said third emitter produces a third magnetic fieldthat follows the position of the third needle as it rotates, said fourthmagnetic emitter being secured relative to the fourth needle such thatsaid fourth pole axis is generally perpendicular to said fourth needleaxis and said fourth emitter produces a fourth magnetic field thatfollows the position of the fourth needle as it rotates; a means forsensing the orientation of said first, second, third and fourth magneticfields; a processor in communication with said sensing means, saidprocessor being programmed to calculate the orientation of said magneticfields based on the output of said sensing means; and, a means fortransmitting the position of the needles to a remote location.
 15. Asensing device for remotely reading the position of the needles of an ameter, the meter having a meter needle that rotates about a needle axis,the needle rotating based on the flow of material passing through themeter, said sensing device comprising a directional magnetic fieldemitter having a north and a south pole that are spaced from one anotheralong a magnetic pole axis, said emitter being secured relative to theneedle such that said pole axis is generally perpendicular to saidneedle axis and said emitter produces a magnetic field that follows theposition of the needle as it rotates; a position sensor positioned oversaid emitter for reading the orientation of said magnetic field; aprocessor in communication with said sensor, said processor calculatingthe position of the needle based on the orientation of said magneticfield; and a transmitter for transmitting data from said sensing deviceto a remote location.
 16. A sensing device for remotely reading theposition of the needles of an a gas meter, the gas meter having aplurality of meter needles including a first and a second needle, thefirst needle rotating about a first needle axis and the second needlerotating about a second needle axis, the second needle being driven inrelation to the rotation of the first needle and rotating 36 degrees forevery full rotation of the first needle, the first needle rotating basedon the volume of gas passing through the gas meter, said sensing devicecomprising a directional magnetic field emitter having a north and asouth pole that are spaced from one another along a magnetic pole axis,said emitter being secured relative to the first needle such that saidpole axis is generally perpendicular to said first needle axis and saidemitter produces a magnetic field that follows the position of the firstneedle as it rotates; a position sensor positioned over said emitter forreading the orientation of said magnetic field; a processor incommunication with said sensor, said processor calculating the positionof the first needle based on the orientation of said magnetic field; ameans for storing data in communication with said processor, saidstorage means tracking the movement of the first needle and storing dataon the number of revolutions of the first needle during any giveninterval; and a transmitter for transmitting data from said sensingdevice to a remote location.
 17. The sensing device of claim 16, whereinsaid data means is wired to said processor.
 18. The sensing device ofclaim 16, wherein said data means is a remote date means in remotecommunication with said transmitter.
 19. The sensing device of claim 16,wherein said data means includes a counter that counts each fullrevolution of the first needle.
 20. A method of remotely reading a gasmeter having a plurality of meter needles including a first and a secondneedle, the first needle rotating about a first needle axis and thesecond needle rotating about a second needle axis, the second needlebeing driven in relation to the rotation of the first needle androtating 36 degrees for every full rotation of the first needle, thefirst needle rotating based on the volume of gas passing through the gasmeter, said method including the steps of: securing a first directionalmagnetic field emitter relative to the first needle, said first emitterhaving a north and a south pole that are spaced from one another along afirst pole axis, said first emitter being positioned such that saidfirst pole axis is generally perpendicular to said first needle axis,said first emitter producing a first magnetic field that follows theposition of the first needle as it rotates; securing a seconddirectional magnetic field emitter relative to the second needle, saidsecond emitter having a north and a south pole that are spaced from oneanother along a second pole axis, said second emitter being positionedsuch that said second pole axis is generally perpendicular to saidsecond needle axis, said second emitter producing a second magneticfield that follows the position of the second needle as it rotates;positioning a receiver unit over top of said first and second emitterssuch that a first position sensor of said unit is axially spacedrelative to said first needle axis over said first emitter and a secondposition sensor of said unit is axially spaced relative to said secondneedle axis over said second emitter; providing a processor for readingthe data produced by said first and second sensors and a transmitter fortransmitting said position of the needles to a remote location, saidprocessor and said transmitter being in communication with said firstand second position sensors; reading the orientation of said firstmagnetic field; reading the orientation of said second magnetic field;calculating the angular position of the first and second needles basedon said reading steps; and, transmitting said calculations to a remotelocation.
 21. A method of remotely reading a gas meter having aplurality of meter needles including a first and a second needle, thefirst needle rotating about a first needle axis and the second needlerotating about a second needle axis, the second needle being driven inrelation to the rotation of the first needle and rotating 36 degrees forevery full rotation of the first needle, the first needle rotating basedon the volume of gas passing through the gas meter, said methodincluding the steps of: securing a directional magnetic field emitterrelative to the first needle, said emitter having a north and a southpole that are spaced from one another along a pole axis, said firstemitter being positioned such that said pole axis is generallyperpendicular to said first needle axis, said emitter producing amagnetic field that follows the position of the first needle as itrotates; positioning a receiver unit over top of said emitter, said unitincluding a single position sensor that is axially spaced relative tosaid first needle axis over said emitter; providing a processor forreading the data produced by said first and second sensors and atransmitter for transmitting said position of the needles to a remotelocation, said processor and said transmitter being connecting to saidfirst and second position sensors; providing a counter in connectionwith said processor; connecting said position sensors to said processorfor reading the data produced by said position sensors; counting thenumber of complete revolutions of the first needle; reading theorientation of said magnetic field; calculating the angular position ofthe first needle based on said reading step; and transmitting saidcalculations on the angular position of the first needle and said numberof complete rotations of the first needle to a remote location.